2003 CTS - Overheating

MomsCady · #1 (**permalink**) 05-15-08, 09:40 AM

I have a 2003 CTS and it seems that when I have the heat on it smells like something is burning, like it is overheating. Mechanic cannot find anything. Added coolant. Any ideas?

jonnyd · #2 (**permalink**) 05-15-08, 09:46 AM

Do you live in a wooded area full of trees? make sure there is no leaves or pine needles in your heater vents. Maybe your heater motor itself could be going bad??

chico · #3 (**permalink**) 05-15-08, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MomsCady

I have a 2003 CTS and it seems that when I have the heat on it smells like something is burning, like it is overheating. Mechanic cannot find anything. Added coolant. Any ideas?

i'd open and clean the engine and cabin filters first

bigblockcadillac · #4 (**permalink**) 05-15-08, 07:29 PM

Are you regularly adding coolant? If so, it could be the heater core is going.

papilonious · #5 (**permalink**) 09-16-08, 12:11 PM

I think I'm having the same issue here. My car just feels HOT after driving around. I can feel heat from under the car and engine. I recently had a new motor put in (long story) and its been hot ever since. Just this morning, my CHECK COOLANT msg came on so thats why I got on here to look.

I'm kinda helpless with this stuff so please be gentle. COOLANT=ANTIFREEZE right? There aren't any tricks to adding coolant are there? Any recommendations on what stuff to get?

AmericanMuscle · #6 (**permalink**) 09-16-08, 01:48 PM

Yes, coolant is the new term for antifreeze. Check the overflow tank (plastic bottle on top on the driver's side) when the engine is cold. If the level is below the "fill cold" line, then add Dexcool (orange stuff) to the overflow tank to bring up the level. Don't add the green stuff, go for Dexcool only. You can buy premixed Dexcool at Walmart for a good price.